The all-new Toyota Avensis will be launched at the Paris Motor Show next week. The new saloon and Tourer (estate ) were styled at the Toyota design studio in the south of France and indeed it has a sleek new design that reflects the car’s strong and dynamic character.
This third generation Avensis promises a mix of superior quality, dynamic handling and refined ride comfort. And Toyota has confirmed that active and passive safety standards are brought to an even higher level thanks to advanced safety features such as Steering-assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+ ), Adaptive Front Light System (AFS ) and Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS ).
Due to go on sale very early in 2009, it features engines that are both more powerful and emit less CO2, a crucial factor in today’s new car market. Toyota says that it also retains the high quality, refinement and equipment levels that are an established Avensis hallmark. Full specification details and pricing for Ireland will be announced closer to launch date here.
Also on stand at Paris will be the new iQ, Toyota’s radical city car. Less than three metres in length, yet iQ is capable of carrying four people - for instance three adults and a child - in comfort and safety at speeds over 100mph. With its innovative use of interior space and advanced engine technologies, the iQ forms a major milestone in Toyota’s environmental commitment and continuous efforts to develop technologies that reduce its CO2 emissions to much lower levels, which start at a mere 99g/km.
Importantly for a car of this size, Toyota says that the iQ will offer 36o degree protection to all occupants with high levels of active and passive safety, including the world’s first curtain shield airbags installed behind the rear seats.
The third Toyota highlight is the premiere of the Urban Cruiser 1.4-litre D-4D diesel All-Wheel Drive (AWD ). Offering lower emissions and strong economy combined with AWD performance, the Urban Cruiser represents a new form of recreation vehicle.
Toyota says that its rugged exterior design is accompanied by a high level of safety equipment and CO2 emissions level of only 133g/km for the AWD version; the Urban Cruiser is set to bring a mix of fun and practicality to the growing urban all-roader market.
